I love this country. I really, really do. I write often about how fortunate I feel to have been blessed to live in Canada…with abundant resources, accessible healthcare, relative peace and a generally likeable demeanour. Yup…I read those words too and know there is a LOT to be debated, but for the moment, let’s just say I’m proud to be a Canadian.
I also really love the library. I love the smell of yet-to-be-discovered possibility. I love the calm and hushed reverence of people deep in thought. I love the look of wonder I see in my daughter’s eyes when she realizes she can take out ANY book she wants…for three weeks (which is kind of like “for keeps”). I especially love that it’s publicly funded and will likely remain that way for a good long time.
And finally, I love to read….blogs, magazines, books. Love it all. Books on the go right now, depending on what my mood calls for: Water for Elephants, Good to Great and Things Fall Apart. All friggin’ brilliant.
What I DISLOVE (hate is SUCH a strong word) is my new-found knowledge that 836,000 blind and partially-sighted Canadians need to count on a charity (CNIB) for library services that us lucky ducks with decent vision take for granted. (Full disclosure…my husband works at CNIB…felt like sharing that).
And while CNIB is doing the best they can with the resources they have (i.e. fund-raised bucks), only 80,000 titles have been made accessible. It costs A LOT to convert to Braille, create audio CDs with accessibility features and manage various digital formats. And Water for Elephants, Good to Great and Things Fall Apart aren’t in the 80,000. Wrong, wrong, wrong. The blind and partially sighted aren’t deserving of reading about Collins’ pivotal Hedgehog concept that will help them become their BEST selves? What the?
Let’s be clear. This rant isn’t about CNIB not delivering enough. It’s about asking our federal, provincial and territorial governments to step up and shoulder the cost to deliver accessible library services for the blind and partially sighted – in much the same way they fund local public libraries. Sweden and the United States get it. Why don’t we?
You can help by writing a letter to your Premier and another to Harper. You’ll find template letters here as well as more information about CNIB’s Right to Read campaign.
I may not be overtly political, but injustices do not sit well with me. Reading ought to be an accessible right for all. Period.
We have the same issue only exacerbated in the U.S.. Somehow I never believe giving voice to a stance against an injustice is overly, or even overtly political. Perhaps that’s why my children are happy that I’m too old for PTA meetings!!
Great Post!!
Comment by Julianne Fuchs-Musgrave — January 22, 2010 @ 2:47 pm
But I bet you made the PTA meetings pretty lively! Thanks so much for your comment and the American perspective. It’s a pleasure to have you here!
Comment by admin — January 23, 2010 @ 8:03 am
You make it sound like relying on charity is a bad thing. It isn’t.
Comment by Freedom Manitoba — January 26, 2010 @ 4:42 pm
Thank you for stopping by. You’re absolutely right – relying on charity isn’t a bad thing. Am sure CNIB feels the same way and wants to invest their donor dollars in services that will help people where they need it most.
In my opinion, CNIB’s Library (while obviously critically important to helping the blind and partially sighted maintain their independence) should be a public service funded by the government–just like the average local public library. As I understand it, this is the point of Right to Read. If CNIB didn’t have to fund their ongoing Library service, these millions of dollars could be spent to increase and enhance existing services in communities across the country. And that would give the most value to everyone who depends on their services.
Comment by admin — January 27, 2010 @ 1:44 pm
You are absolutely right in your most recent post. If CNIB didn’t have to fund the library my 22 month old son would get the daily living support he needs/deserves from his Early Intervention worker.
It just breaks my heart that our own government is discriminating against my own son, a fun loving toddler who LOVES books to boot.
Thank you again for your blog, it provides an eye opening insight for those who may not know of this potential devastating decision.
Canadians have a right to read….period.
Cheyanne & Hayden
Comment by Cheyanne — February 1, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Thanks so much for dropping by @Cheyanne. Your insight and perspective are most appreciated. Am hoping Hayden does indeed get the support he deserves, and that you do too.
Comment by admin — February 3, 2010 @ 3:27 am